Happy Birthday wishes to Danielle Odhner,  Joyce Szili,  Steve Neeren,
Paul Kaczkin,  Rob Finocchio and Tybaldt Ulrich.

Michael's cafe in Bensalem, Pa, had a special treat last week as Vince Montana Jr. made an appearance along with his wife and daughter Eileen. The evening featured the music of Vince along with the Salsoul Orchestra. This Tuesday, July 25, we are celebrating Rosalie Bucci and Danielle Odhner's birthdays. Come out and have some cake, dance and join the party.

Kelvin Roach and Loriann Greenhouse are finishing up on another movie, wow, dancing in the motion picture Enchanted coming out next year. A Disney production, the feature film stars Patrick Dempsey (Grey's Anatomy)

Congratulations to Celeste Pfefferle and Keith Gussoni, they made it official last week in Las Vegas. Celeste's daughter, Lauren, was her maid of honor and Keith's son was his best man. We wish them both good health & a long happy life together.

Watch for these new releases this coming week:
"Call On Me" by  Janet Jackson
"Crazy" Gnarls Barkley 
"I Call It Love" by  Lionel Richie 

Did you attend Discoamerica this year? We need your feedback. In efforts to build and make 2007 the best event ever, please respond to the survey questions at this  link.    http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=401272391368

For the newest dance music you have to check out Jenny Costa. She mixes every Friday night at Mirage in NY. She does the mix shows on WKTU in NY and is mixing for XM Satellite Radio every Friday & Saturday night on Studio 83 Chrome from 10PM until 2AM EST. You can also hear her on BPM Channel 81 on XM.

This fall, NBC television will air a two hour taping of Madonna's up coming concert at Wimbley Stadium in London. The live concert will be edited for TV. 

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by the World Hustle Dance Championships. We look forward to seeing everyone this coming weekend. Its not to late to attend. See all the details below. Good luck to all the competitors.

Make it a great week,
Ron

DanceTalk * 7-18-06

Happy Birthday wishes to Diane Weinberg, Brandon Bess and Rosalee Bucci .

A founding member of the classic R&B group the Commodores passed away last week. Milan B. Williams died of leukemia at his home in Houston.

Good luck to Kim Marie Pauline . She will be competing next week in the Master Nationals, body building competition in Pittsburgh Pa.

The hit television show "So You Think You Can Dance" continues to be a much watch show. It has been consistently ranking in the top 10 with over 9 million viewers weekly. Heidi Groskreutz, is among the top 10 dancers. She is a 5 time US Champion in WCS and is ranked among the top five amateur Latin Ballroom couples in the US. Heidi teaches WCS & ECS at La Luna in Bensalem Pa. 

Singing sensation Kylie Minogue has announced a tour scheduled for the late fall. This singing dynamo has returned after a major bout with breast cancer.

Coming this fall the Open to the World Professional Salsa Championships being held November 1st - 5th 2006 in Puerto Rico http://www.caribbeandancesport.com
More details coming soon.

Have you missed an issue of DanceTalk ? Is your company treating your mail like Spam? Visit our website, any time,  24/7 for the latest issue and back copies. http://www.mjames.org/ronbess.html 

This weeks edition of DanceTalk® is sponsored by Swing Fling , taking place in DC, read all about it below. 

Make it a great week,
Ron

                   Swing Fling 2006

One of the longest running events takes place in less then one month.
In its 14th season, Swing Fling returns to the Washington, DC area on August 3rd to the 6th. Event Director, Barry Durand, has an incredible weekend of non stop dancing including West Coast Swing, Lindy, Shag, Hustle and Hand Dancing. Conveniently located at the Hilton Washington Dulles hotel, (1-800-HILTONs group code SWF).
The event includes over $10,000 in prizes, Jack & Jill competitions, 3 dance floors, party by the pool, over 30 workshops, "Saturday Night Fever" party with Joyce Szili in the hustle room, cabaret & team divisions, Showcase divisions A & B,
Classic Division A & B, separate rooms for WCS, Hustle & Lindy and non stop fun.
This event features three ballrooms for dancing plus the uniquely popular Lobby Dance Floor, where folks dance and practice till the wee hours.   
The DC area has so much to offer. Take time to dance and then visit all the rich historical sites. There isn't a better time of year or place to take it all in. Plan to stay for a full week. Barry has assembled some of the finest teachers and competitors in the country. This years staff includes the best in all forms of dance:
Robert Cordoba & Deborah Szekely,  Kyle Redd & Sarah Vann Drake, 
Arte Phillips,  Bill & Brenda Barber, Debbie Ramsey Boz, 
Brian & Silvana Gallagher,  Darlene Long Cree & Robin Smith,  Dean & Dawn Garrish,  Kevin Fitzhugh & Tammy Brown,  John Festa,  Ron Bess,
Brad Bradford,  DJ Figgy, Linda Allen,  Sam & Denise Miller,  Ken Roesel, 
Debbie Lynn,  Michael & Terea Robinson,  Marcus Koch & Barbi Kauffer, 
Jane Ford,  Tom Koerner & Debra Sternberg,  Tony & Aurellie Tye, Keith
Gussoni,  Mike Marcotte &  Donna Barker......
For the complete schedule and updates visit the website at http://www.swingfling.com
Swing Fling is a NASDE Sanctioned event and a member of the World Swing Dance Council.
See you on the dance floor.

                             Letters to the Editor


Hi Ron
Thank you so much for your support for our event back on June 10th.  
We had a great turn out. This is not only for LGBT but open to anyone wishing to compete in same sex dancing many teachers, teach same sex so everyone is welcomed. More info. will follow for 2007 plus cash awards and new location, 
for March of 2007.
Thank You
Philadelphia Liberty Dance Challenge
Nancy Brown and Gene La Pierre
http://www.philadelphialibertydancechallenge.com - LGBT Same Sex Dance

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Hi Ron,
     I don't know who thought of it but the survey is an excellent idea and is long overdue.  It was and still is one of my thoughts that got lost in the confusion of daily life.  It is extremely important that our event planners get good, honest feedback from pros and amateurs alike in order to make the events successful.  We all want a great thing but complaining amongst ourselves does absolutely no good in we don't make our thoughts, ideas, and wishes known to the people in charge and also that the people in charge are willing to listen with an opened mind.  We as dancers, as a whole and at an individual level-amateur and pro, must patronize our party hosts and attend the events that require a lot of work and planning-and, of course, the capital backing etc.  They, the event planners, are not millionaires who throw their money around.  They are hard-working people like you and I and they NEED our support.  When the event and party hosts hold an event, it is for us not for bar people who are not more dedicated and motivated dancers like ourselves.  When we go to clubs we don't have the luxury of respect on the dance floor that we need room for partner dancing.  Clubs are filled with people who are there for a night out when they can get loose.  I can't stress how important it is to support our event planners/hosts and instructors as well.  We must support our newcomers as well to get them more time on the dance floor so they will no only come back but get better as well so we can keep it going.  Eventually, we will lose people by whatever means so it is ultimately up to us right now to do what we can (our duty!) to enrich people's live and make dancing flourish.
Michael Couris

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From Carol Feldman
A comment about turning people down for a dance,,,,,,,,,,,i think i had some of the worst this weekend ..one that i must share........i asked someone who had just come off the floor and when i asked him he said he was still digesting his dinner!!! and then got up and did the next dance...i have heard some other stories  as well some awful .like leaving someone on the dance floor in the middle of a dance!!!! so i'm collecting stories , turn downs etc..........let's all be conscious of how  hard it can be to ask someone for a dance and what it feels like

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Hey Ron, I just wanted to give thanks to one of our unsung heroes of the dance world.to Mike Gaudioso ,many people saw Mike for years at the hustle event (disco America) who was there working sometimes for 7 hours straight, helping in the rooms and meeting and greeting people, also for me sometimes i would be teaching dance in Princeton, or king of Prussia and I'd call Mike and say to him, Mike i got too many girls can u come and help out, and sure e'nuff he come(we call him the go to guy). thanks Mike,
Ken Giovanni

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Ron,
Kudos, as always, to your stellar Dance News forum. I want to especially congradulate you on the piece"How to create the ultimate Dance Weekend".
The focus group's recommendations were very good, most especially the attention to keeping to the program's time schedules. The introduction of dance escorts is a marvelous idea.
Glad you had a grand time at Disco America!
Paige

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hi Ron,
I think the focus group hit the nail on the head. Many great points were raised that need to be said. I for one have questioned why I attend some events when they don't seem to really care about us...the people paying for everything. What happened to good old Customer service.
Keep up the great work,
Greg Scott 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hi Ron,
On behalf of Wayne and myself, thank you for the well wishes for our future together!  I would like to send a special thank you to DJ Mark.  Mark DJ'd our wedding and added the special finishing touches to the evening.  We had soooo much fun and our guests are still talking about how much fun they had at the reception.  Mark, your awesome!  Hope to see you all dancing soon!  (As soon as we can make our way out from underneath of these moving boxes!)   
Truly,
Judy Strohl

DanceTalk * 7-11-06

Happy Birthday wishes to Al Schmidt,  Roberto Pagan,  Anthony Lee and 
Karen Pomager.

Co founder of the hit dance band "Kool & The Gang," Claydes "Charles" Smith, passed away in Maplewood, NJ. Credits include "Celebration" "Joanna" "Fresh"
"Get Down on it."

Please wish quick get well thoughts for Celeste Pfefferle. We look forward to seeing your beautiful smile back out on the dance floor soon. 

Lights, camera's,  action - dance champions Loriann Greenhouse and Kelvin Roche have been busy - teaching, performing, competing and dancing in motion pictures. Keep your eyes open this fall for "El Canteta" staring Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony in a movie theater near you. Stay tuned.    

Its different but catchy, the new single by Justin Timberlake. "SexyBack" has just been released, the album "FutureSex/LoveSounds," hits stores September 11th.

Check out the new photos and updates and rates for The 2007 Hustle, Swing
and Salsa Dance Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean on Costa's Magica.
http://www.HustleCruise.com

I hope you enjoy the article "The Journey" a real look at how a business executive turned his passion for dancing into a full time career.
Don't miss the rest of the results from Discoamerica 2006, listed below.


Make it a great week,
Ron

A New Journey 

As a software specialist and a vice president with some of the largest firms in the country, 9-11 was a wake up call.  The attack on New York shook the world and had a life long impact on virtually everyone including Carl Charles. Many people saw their lives turned upside down, loved ones killed and careers destroyed. If you lived in or around NY, you felt the life style - quake. Relocation, career change and safety became the buzz words. Carl wanted to turn his life, rightside up, and decided to make his move.
An original member of the Long Island Bad Boys, a popular group of dancers that get the party started, Carl has his own unique style when it comes to dancing. He takes the traditional hustle and adds a twist of jazz, funk, interpretation, hand styling and dramatization for a show stopping effect. Utilizing his business savvy and willingness to take a risk he decided to create his own niche not in New York but in sunny Florida. But not relying solely on his hustle roots, Carl continued his research, training and studying other forms of ballroom dancing. The Star Ballroom of Pompano Beach was quick to add Carl to their staff as did the Paladium Night Club in Margate. Like growing and developing any small business, Carl had to nurture his students and create a word of mouth following.
After a slow start, he has built the class size immensely. Students are driving in from as far away as Miami and Stuart to attend his weekly classes. Teaching isn't limited to just adults. Children from ages 8 to 12 (and teens at several locations) have experienced the creativity of Carl. He has taught at the Academy for Positive Learning in Lake Worth, John Roberts Powers (JRP) school for actors and models in West Palm Beach just to name a few.
Carl has been training and preparing his dancers for competitions including the up coming World Hustle Dance Championships in NJ this month. A few years ago, Carl wowed the audience when he captured first place along with Susan Marolda at the open dance contest at Midsummer Night Fever at Lincoln center in NY. In addition, Carl has won numerous contests but has made his passion for teaching his top priority. He is also launching a new monthly dance party along with DJ Noel Colon and Caren Casper. This mission is to provide a friendly fun social so folks have a place to dance to the music they love. Carl is bringing that New York fun and energy to his new zip code. For more on Carl's schedule  and to watch the journey continue,  visit his informative website at http://www.mrcdance.com 

Discoamerica - results

Last week, Discoamerica delivered a knock out punch. The letters have been coming in praising the event and the pleasure they had in Atlantic City. Special thanks to organizer Donna Boyle and her staff. The dance community is very lucky to have Donna. As a MC, you need a great team to keep the event running smooth.  Special thanks to Joyce Szili, Anita Giacone, Dara Putrusky, Michael Couris and Doreet for the tireless energy they supplied. 

Here are some more of the winners from last weeks Discoamerica 2006. For all the results visit the website where you can also order a copy of the weekend video.
To view pictures from the event check out http://www.SamsSnapShots.com


Amateur Just Hustle Silver
1) Joel Halsband & Mona Walker
2) Don & Cheryl Youtz

Pro Am Ladies Novice Hustle
1) Daniel McGee & Erica Wood
2) Jameson Kilburn & Sally Meints
3) Jameson Kilburn & Michelle Moyer

Pro Am Men Novice Hustle
1) Jack Ciecka & Silvana Gallagher
2) Greg Kirkham & Jameson Kilburn
3) Donald Woodbridge & Tiffany Brown

Pro Am Ladies Intermediate Hustle
1) Katherina Conti & Roberto Pagan
2) Cindy Lehning & Louis Orlando
3) Sandra Eng & Raul Santiago

Pro Am Men Intermediate Hustle
1) Scott Michielli & Silvana Gallagher
2) Phillip Spinka & Dara Patrusky
3) Mark Mansfield & Joyce Szilli

Pro Am Ladies Advanced Hustle
1) Angela McCabe & Joe Kerner
2) Erica Smith & Jameson Kilburn
3) Jerise Massone & Roberto Pagan

Pro Am Men Advanced Hustle
1) Jamie Serna & Elizabeth Darchi
2) Peter Maranan & Elizabeth Darchi
3) Robert Lawrence & Lori Brizzi

Amateur Theater Arts
1) Jaime Serna & Jerise Massone

Pro Am Showcase
1) Roberto Pagan & Katherina Conti

Pro AM Jack & Jill Ladies
Wendy Dalal & Smitty

Pro Am Jack & Jill Men
Sam Habet & Silvana Gallagher

DanceTalk * 7-4-06

Have a safe and happy July 4th - God Bless America

Happy Birthday wishes to Tiffany Brown,  Lisa Nunziella,  Nancy Merle,
Punkin Habet,  Jeff Gessner,  Nina Rosado,  George Azpura  and  Roma Moon.

During nearly 30 years with Atlantic Records, Arif Mardin's , sleek, jazz-savvy producing & arranging skills were applied to hit recordings by the Bee Gees, Average White Band, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. He passed away this past week at the age of 74. 

Kudos to Sonya Elmore and Victor Colon. They won the preliminaries at the World Salsa Championships in the Cabaret division at the Philadelphia Salsa Congress. They now qualify and move onto the semi-finals at the World Salsa Championships held in December in Las Vegas. We wish them good luck.

Life Time Achievement "Hustle Hall Of Fame"  Lisa Nunziella , returns to the east coast and will be teaching at Equinox on Monday, July 24th at 8PM - at the 63rd & Lexington location.  

A new dance event comes to Davie, Florida, Caren Casper, Carl Charles and Noel Colon bring you their first party at Feathers Dance Studio, 4343 S. State Rd.      Hustle, Swing & Salsa, from 8PM-12 midnight.  Food included, $10 cover charge. BYOB. or details call Caren at (754) 246-4516.

Watch for these new dance releases "Public Affair" by Jessica Simpson, "I Will Stand" by Claudia Barry, "Come With Me" by DJ Roger Sanchez and the new Pet Shop boys album "Fundamental" 


Make it a great week,
Ron

Discoamerica - Highlights


A new hotel and a new attitude. This past weekend was the 8th Annual Discoamerica. The fireworks started early. The place was alive and dancing, whether you danced outside, competed in a contest, gambled at the casino's, took some workshops.....you came out a winner. Discoamerica is back on track, a wonderful weekend of competitions, workshops, exhibitions, outside dancing and social dancing. It couldn't have been better. Donna Boyle delivered.  You knew you were in Atlantic City as the theme ran thru out the weekend. The tables had souvenir casino chips, Discoamerica fans and even play money. The dinner show, 'Cabaret,' choreographed by Arte Phillips was xtra hott. As the cast performed and danced routines from the award winning show. To spice it up there were showcases by Hustle Hall Of Fame members Brian & Silvana Gallagher, The Top Hat Dancers and Life Time Award winner Nelly Cotto and Kenny Gonzalez. 
The DJs kept the music flowing thru out the weekend under the guidance of Bobby Morales, Kenny Arditi, Steve Neeren, RJ Lawrence and Mark Saworski.
Exhibitions were performed by Roberto Pagans Junior dance company and Ron & Lauren Bess. The late night parties kept the dancers up till 5AM.
The weekend was sponsored by North by Northwest, Cuba Libra restaurants and Lori Brizzi - organizer of the New York Hustle Congress. In addition to gift certificates for dinner and dancing, Lori donated free passes to her upcoming events - The Midnight Summer Swing Dance at Lincoln Center, Hustle Millennium dance socials and her NY Hustle Congress taking place Labor Day weekend. There were many pros on hand including: Rob Finocchio, Laura Cozik, Tiffany Brown, Lori Brizzi, Steve Neeren, Joyce Szili, Danny McGee, Artie Phillips, Kenny Gonzales, Nelly Cotto, Joe Kernan, Diane Nardone, Billy Fajardo, Jamison Kilburn, Brian &  Silvana Gallagher,
Kenny Arditi,  Bill Poulter, Roberto Pagan, Jamie Josephson, Bobby Morales, Loriann Greenhouse & Kelvin Roche, Billy Marti, Louie Orlando, Elizabeth Darchi, Joyce Szilli, Stephanie Risser, Ginny Carey, Carolina Amante, Ricky Quintana, Lisa Portnostra, Smitty, DJ Nino Torre.....
Organizer Donna showed everyone what a true Atlantic City party is all about. Overcoming some union issues from the previous year....this year "there aint no stopping" her. The hotel is already booked for next year, the 9th annual Discoamerica taking place July 5th to the 8th. Hold the date.
Check out some of the great pictures (courtesy of Scott Michielli) at
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8FYuW7Rw5Ye8

Here are some of the finals. Next week we will post additional results.

Philly Freeze - Jessie and Erica Smith from California won the Philly Freeze, a Discoamerica tradition. 

Amateur Just Hustle Novice
1) Bruce Haslam & Debra Lynn
2) Greg Kirkham & Sally Meints
3) John Rachel & Mary Keegan

Amateur Just Hustle Intermediate
1) Peter Maranan & Erica Smith
2) Scott Michielli & Elizabeth Craner
3) Phillip Spinka & Patricia McConnell

Amateur Just Hustle Advanced
1) Jaime Serna & Jerise Massone
2) Wingo Hom & Angela McCabe
3) Wajih & Wendy Dalal

Amateur Classic Hustle
1) Joey Commentucci & Ettie Kurtz
2) Wingo Hom & Angela McCabe
3) Michael Paolo & Karen Geiter

Professional Just Hustle
1) Daniel McGee & Ginny Carey
2) Joe Kerner & Laura Cozik
3) Jameson Kilburn & Tiffany Brown

Professional Jack & Jill
1) Louie Orlando & Nellie Cotto
2) Joe Kerner & Silvana Gallagher
3) Brian Gallagher & Tiffany Brown

Amateur Jack & Jill Advanced
1) Jamie Serna & Wendy Dalal
2) Wajih Dalal & Melissa
3) Wingo Hom & Jerise Massone

Amateur Jack & Jill Intermediate
1) Scott Michielli & Cindy Lehning
2) Dennis Maters & Danielle Odhner
3) Scott Michielli & Katherina Conti

Amateur Jack & Jill Novice
1) Jack Cieka & Debra Lynn
2) Bruce Haslam & Mona Walker
3) Jim Bronke & Mary Keegan

Professional Dance Off Championships
1) Kelvin Roche & Loriann Greenhouse
2) Ricky Quintana & Lisa Paternoster

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